Apparatus and related systems and methods for organizing, transporting, and using earrings, jewelry, and similar objects

ABSTRACT

In at least some embodiments, the system can be used with a wide variety of types of earrings. Examples include, without limitation, pierced, french wires, hoops, and clip-ons. Preferably, one or more mounting trays are provided with means for readily holding those items at a selected position on the tray. Also preferably, the trays are sufficiently large to each hold a plurality of earrings. Among many alternatives, a perforated “mesh” or pegboard-type tray can be used, with each such tray having a plurality of holes, slots, or other openings formed in it. The specific size, shape, relative position, spacing, and other aspects of the openings can be selected when designing any particular embodiment of the invention, based on (among other things) the application for which the embodiment is intended. Different patterns and mixes of holes/slots/etc. can be provided, based on functional and/or aesthetic considerations.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. Nos. 61/654,807 and 61/654,811 (filed Jun. 1, 2012), and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/654,812 (filed Jun. 2, 2013), the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

The present invention relates to earrings and similar items (including without limitation rings, necklaces, and bracelets), and to systems for organizing a plurality of such items in order to more easily and securely store, locate, display, select, transport, and use those items. The system can be used in a wide variety of situations and applications, including without limitation by persons within their homes, by earring salesmen, by jewelry shops and/or departments, etc.

The present invention is described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures, which serve as illustrations of some of the many embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. Subject to the context and other factors (including for example the understanding of persons of ordinary skill in the arts relevant to the inventions), generally in those Figures and references similar reference numerals refer to similar or identical elements throughout this description.

Those Figures and references, and the other terminology used in these descriptions, are not intended to be interpreted in any limited or restrictive manner, simply because it is being utilized in conjunction with a detailed description of certain embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, various embodiments of the invention (whether or not specifically described herein) may include one or more of the novel features disclosed herein, no single one of which (a) is necessarily solely responsible for any particular desirable attribute(s) of the inventions or (b) is essential to practicing the inventions described.

For the purpose of summarizing the invention certain objects and advantages have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such objects or advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

These and other embodiments will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the invention not being limited to any particular preferred embodiment(s) disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure Description FIG. 1 Isometric view of a container element of an embodiment of the invention, in a closed position. FIG. Back elevation view of the embodiment illustrated in 1Back FIG. 1 FIG. Bottom view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1. 1Bottom Among other things, the four screwheads in the middle of the container bottom illustrate one of the many ways to affix a rail/slide element to the interior of the contain- er's bottom. FIG. 1F Front elevation view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 FIG. 1L Left elevation view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 FIG. 1R Right elevation view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 FIG. 1S1 Section view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, taken along the axis of the outer handle (on top) and down vertically through the embodiment) FIG. 1S1F Similar to FIG. 1S1, but showing a front elevation view of the section. FIG. 1S2 Section view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, taken along the front-to-back axis of the embodiment, at approximately the halfway point of the embodiment) FIG. 1S2R Similar to FIG. 1S2, but showing a right elevation view of the section FIG. 1S2T Similar to FIG. 1S2R, but also illustrating the frontmost tray element with its top tilted in a forwardly direction rather than toward the back of the embodiment as in FIG. 1S2 FIG. 1T Top view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 FIG. 2 Isometric view of a container element of an embodiment of the invention, with the lid in an opened position. FIG. Back elevation view of the embodiment illustrated in 2Back FIG. 2 FIG. Bottom view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 2Bottom FIG. 2F Front elevation view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 FIG. 2L Left elevation view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 FIG. 2R Right elevation view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 FIG. 2T Top view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 FIG. 3 Isometric view of a container element of an embodiment of the invention, with the lid in an opened position and the front flap opened forwardly. FIG. Back elevation view of the embodiment illustrated in 3Back FIG. 3 FIG. Bottom view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 3Bottom FIG. 3F Front elevation view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 FIG. Similar to FIG. 3F, but with all of the tray elements 3F_no_trays removed from engagement with the case FIG. 3L Left elevation view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 FIG. 3R Right elevation view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 FIG. 3T Top view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 FIG. Similar to FIG. 3T, but with all of the tray elements 3T_no_trays removed from engagement with the case FIG. 4 Similar to FIG. 3, but illustrating one of the tray elements removed from engagement with the case FIG. 4B Similar to FIG. 4, but showing only the front half of the tray rim element, illustrating one of the many ways in which tray elements of the invention can be fabricated and assembled FIG. Similar to FIG. 4, but showing only the mesh/pegboard 4Board element of the illustrated mounting tray, illustrating one of the many ways in which tray elements of the invention can be fabricated and assembled. This mesh is placed between the rim portions of Figs. 4B and 4C, and those portions are fastened via gluing, sonic welding, or other suitable method FIG. 4C Similar to FIG. 4, but showing only the back half of the tray rim element, illustrating one of the many ways in which tray elements of the invention can be fabricated and assembled FIG. 4D Similar to FIG. 4, but illustrating four of the tray elements removed from engagement with the case FIG. 4E Similar to FIG. 4D, but illustrating all of the tray elements removed from engagement with the case FIG. 4F Similar to FIG. 4D, but providing an isometric view of just the case element FIG. Back view of one of the many tray/pegboard elements 5Back with which the invention can be practiced FIG. Bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 5Back 5Bottom FIG. 5F Front view of the embodiment of FIG. 5Back FIG. 5L Left view of the embodiment of FIG. 5Back FIG. 5R Right view of the embodiment of FIG. 5Back FIG. 5T Top view of the embodiment of FIG. 5Back FIG. 6 Similar to FIG. 2, but illustrating one of the many relatively smaller embodiments of a container/case with which the invention can be practiced. As shown, a single tray member is positioned inside the case, although the case can be dimensioned to accommodate a plurality of such mounting trays, stacked above the one shown or in some other relationship/position inside the case FIG. Back elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 6 6Back FIG. Bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 6 6Bottom FIG. 6F Front elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 6 FIG. 6L Left elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 6 FIG. 6R Right elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 6 FIG. 6T Top view of the embodiment of FIG. 6. Among other things, this Figure also illustrates some of the many alternative adapters that can be used in practicing the invention FIG. 7 Similar to FIG. 6, but illustrating the tray member removed from the case element FIG. 7S Similar to FIG. 6, but taken from the other front upper angle, and with a section of the lower portion of the container element, taken from right to left on a vertical plane. Among other things, this Figure illustrates some of the many ways in which additional fasteners such as snaps can be used when practicing the invention, and one of the many ways in which a storage pocket (shirred or otherwise) can be used in practicing the invention (the pocket is shown in the lower portion of the container lid, below the two snap members) FIG. 7S2 Similar to FIG. 6, but taken from a lower angle, and with a section taken through the approximate midpoint of the embodiment, from the front to the back on a vertical plane FIG. 8 Similar to FIG. 6, but illustrating the front portion of the case disengaged and laying forwardly, generally parallel to the base of the case/container FIG. 9 Similar to FIG. 6, but illustrating the case in a closed position, with the latch engaged to help secure the case against inadvertent opening FIG. 9S Front elevation section view of the embodiment of FIG. 9, with the section taken generally vertically across the embodiment from the right to the left side. FIG. 9S2 Similar to FIG. 9S, but from an upper right isometric view FIG. 9S3 Similar to FIG. 9S, but from a lower left isometric view. Among other things, the storage pocket element inside the case lid is well illustrated. FIG. 9S4 Similar to FIG. 9S3, but from an upper left isometric view FIG. 9S6 Similar to FIG. 9S2, but with the section taken from front to back FIG. 9S6R Similar to FIG. 9S6, but showing a right elevation view FIG. 9S7 Similar to FIG. 9S4, but viewing from the back of the sectioned container toward the front FIG. Similar to FIG. 9S7, but showing a back elevation view 9S7Back FIG. 10 Illustrates another of the many alternative embodiments of a case with which the invention can be practiced FIG. 10B-E Other standard views of the embodiment of FIG. 10 FIG. 10F-I Standard views of one of the many tray mount elements that may be used to engage one or more tray members with a container member FIG. 11 Isometric view of one half of a tray frame, of yet another of the many embodiments of the invention FIG. 11B-D Standard views of the embodiment of FIG. 11 FIG. 12 Isometric view of another embodiment of a connecting element that can be used to engage a tray element with a container FIG. 12B-D Standard view of the embodiment of FIG. 12 FIG. 13 Isometric view of another of the many embodiments of a lower half of a case element, showing a portion of the hinge structure along the back side (on the left side of the Figure) FIG. 13R Right elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 13 FIG. 14 Front perspective view, illustrating how a storage pocket inside the lid can be shirred, and divided into a right and left section (via sewing in the center). FIG. 15 Illustrates some of the many patterns and/or decorations that can be incorporated into embodiments of the in- vention. This is a foreshortened, close-up perspective view of the front left corner of a case with a front surface folded down toward the viewer. FIG. 16 Another of the many embodiments of a case/container of the invention, showing how a case may effectively be fabricated from a single sheet of foldable material (such as metal, cardboard, paper, or other material); the element in the Figure is in an unfolded state, but can be folded to provide a case shape/function similar to others shown and/or described herein. FIG. 17 Side view of one of the many embodiments of an adapter that can be used in the invention FIG. 17B Similar to FIG. 17, but also showing an earring as it may be engaged with the lower loop of the adapter FIG. 17C Similar to FIG. 17B, but also showing a pair of earrings engaged with the adapter, and the other end of the adapter engaged with a case/pegboard element of the invention FIG. 17D Similar to FIG. 17C, but also showing the other end of the adapter engaged at a different location on the case/pegboard element of the invention, illustrating the ease of moving the adapter from one location to another on the mesh/pegboard. FIG. 18 A ring holder tray; multiple views of same are shown FIG. 19 A one-piece embodiment of a peg-board tray element, showing multiple views of same FIG. 20 A “standard” tray frame element can be used as a basis for “custom” tray concepts, to be assembled prior to or after purchase, and in a relatively permanent engagement as an overall tray assembly or in a more temporary changeable assembly; multiple views of same are shown FIG. 21 A bracelet tray; multiple views of same are shown FIG. 22 A zippered pocket “tray”; multiple views of same are shown

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

As indicated above, the inventions disclosed herein can be used in a broad range of applications and provide many benefits. Although the majority of this description is directed at embodiments relating to earrings and similar jewelry items, persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the concepts disclosed are useful for storing, organizing, displaying, etc. a wide variety of other similar items. Among other things, the invention can be useful in connection with fishing lures and flies, tie clips, pins, medals, brooches, small Christmas ornaments, beads, etc.

In at least some embodiments, the system can be used with a wide variety of types of earrings. Examples include, without limitation, pierced, french wires, hoops, and clip-ons. Preferably, one or more mounting trays are provided with means for readily holding those items at a selected position on the tray. Also preferably, the trays are sufficiently large to each hold a plurality of earrings. Among many alternatives, a perforated “mesh” or pegboard-type tray can be used, with each such tray having a plurality of holes, slots, or other openings formed in it. The specific size, shape, relative position, spacing, and other aspects of the openings can be selected when designing any particular embodiment of the invention, based on (among other things) the application for which the embodiment is intended. Different patterns and mixes of holes/slots/etc. can be provided, based on functional and/or aesthetic considerations.

As with the other elements discussed herein, the trays preferably are formed from a suitably strong and lightweight material, to provide many of the benefits discussed herein. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that certain embodiments may instead be formed from heavier and/or less strong materials, while still providing certain of the inventions' benefits. In certain embodiments, most or all of the components may be fabricated from plastic via injection-molding or similar process. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the parts can be provided in an array of colors and other finishes (including flocking or transparent elements, for example).

Preferably, the openings in the mesh or other mounting element are sized so that they readily receive and securely hold the specific earrings that a user may place in the opening. For many types of earrings, the holes preferably are at least generally round (although they can be any of a wide range of shapes), and are “pin-sized” so that they are slightly larger than a conventional pierced earring wire. The holes or openings may be formed straight through the pegboard element, may be angled, may be curved, or any other useful configuration. In certain embodiments, a second pegboard or a separate layer of material (fabric, sponge, rubber, felt, etc.) may be positioned on some or all of the “pegged” surface, with corresponding openings formed in that layer to allow the earring wire or other mounting element to pass through both the first mesh element and the second pegboard/felt/other layer. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that even more layers, decorations, or other elements may be positioned (removably or not) on the mesh pegboard element, to provide a wide range of functions and/or aesthetics to the assembly.

In certain embodiments, the mounting tray elements are generally flat and generally rectangular, although persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that other configurations can be used. For embodiments having a plurality of such tray elements, preferably they are similarly sized and/or shaped, so that they can be assembled and/or provided within a case or other container. Preferably, the container or case is of a convenient size and shape, and the surfaces can be relatively plain, or can be decorated and/or adorned with handles, logos, photos, colors, designs, and/or other items.

Some of the many alternative embodiments of the invention include mounting racks to hold one or more trays in a desired position on a vanity, counter, or similar surface. To facilitate travel or other transportation of the earrings by the user, a closable “smaller” case preferably can hold a relatively small number of trays, so as not to take up too much space. For other situations, such as storage of a user's entire collection of earrings, the case and/or rack can be relatively larger, limited only by space and the mechanical properties of the case/rack. By way of example, a “home” case might be sufficiently large to hold around 75 pairs of earrings, while a travel case/container might hold only 10.

Preferably, the mesh pegboard elements are configured and provided with mating elements that facilitate the ready movement between a plurality of different cases/containers/racks. In some embodiments, a slide/rail or tongue and groove structure is provided, so that the tray can be slid out of engagement with (for example) the user's main “home” collection/case and then loaded into a smaller travel case. Preferably, the earrings remain relatively undisturbed during such transfer. Among the many ways the system of the invention can be used, a person who owns a collection of earrings can sort them and mount them on trays, one or more for each selected group (gold, silver, plastic, other groupings, etc.). When packing for a trip, that person can open their main earring storage unit, select the tray(s) that they want to take on the trip, remove them from the main unit, assemble the trays into the “travel-size” unit, and then close that travel case to secure the earrings for transport.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the trays and other elements are configured so that the trays can be “stacked” against each other within the cases or containers or racks (or even when they are lying adjacent each other and not affixed to a case/container/rack). Preferably, in addition and/or alternatively to this stacking/abutting relationship, and in addition and/or alternatively to the removability of the tray(s) from the cases, the engagement between the rack/case and the tray(s) is such that the trays can pivot to some degree, to allow users to “flip” through a set of trays that may be in a single case (somewhat akin to flipping through a Rolodex of business cards). Among other things, this permits the user to selectively flip forward and back through the assembled trays, to view and access earrings on the various trays. Also preferably, the trays' engagement is such that they can “stand up” (either vertically or leaning to some degree) when engaged with a rack or case. Among other things, this standing function permits the ready display of the earrings. Some of the many alternative embodiments of the invention (not shown) include “vertical” slides for the trays (instead of or in addition to the “horizontal” slide engagement shown in the drawings), so that a user can “raise” a selected tray upwardly, preferably “engage” it at the raised position (via a detent or other structure) to display the pieces mounted on that particular tray, and then lower the tray back into the container when finished.

Among the many ways to provide one or more of these function is to form one or more detents or tabs on the lower edge of the tray(s), and provide one or more corresponding slots on the case/rack, into which the user can engage and/or disengage the detent/tab. To provide ready pivoting such as described above, the tabs/detents can be generally cylindrical elements, and can conveniently be formed integrally with the body of the tray(s). By providing a similar slot structure on other cases and/or racks, the tray(s) preferably can be slid out of engagement with the slot(s) on one case and then into engagement with the slot(s) on another case. To provide a desirable degree of engagement between the tray(s) and the slots, preferably at least two such tabs/detents are provided on each tray, and two such corresponding slots are provided on each case. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the engagement elements can be reversed (the tabs/detents may be formed on the case, and the “slot” structure on the tray(s)), and that the specific size, shape, number, location, and other aspects of the engagement elements between the tray(s) and the cases/racks can be any of a wide variety.

Preferably, the trays and the interior of the cases are configured to provide a relatively secure engagement between the tray(s) and the case, especially when the case is closed and/or is in transport. Among other things, the shapes of the tray(s) and the interior of the cases can be “keyed” to each other, can have a plurality of points of contact with each other, or can otherwise provide the desired engagement during storage and/or movement of the case.

The case and rack elements can include any of a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and other features. In certain embodiments, a raised lip can be provided around three sides of a “box-shaped” case, and a lid can be pivotably connected to that box and sized and shaped to sealingly engage with that raised lip with the lid is closed over the box. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that a latch or other mechanism can be provided in certain embodiments, to keep the lid securely closed onto the top of the box. For easier access to the earrings or other items, the front side of the case can be provided in a hinged relationship with the case bottom, so that the front can be dropped down onto the counter or vanity and thus expose the tray(s) more completely to the user. One or more carrying handles or straps can be provided on the case, and/or on the individual trays, to assist the user in transporting or otherwise moving those items. In certain embodiments, the handle preferably folds flat for storage, and is padded for comfort in carrying the assembly.

As indicated above, the elements of the invention can be fabricated from and/or covered with any of a wide variety of functional and/or decorative materials. By way of example, certain embodiments may have a suede, leather, faux leather, wood, metal, cotton, microfiber, and/or combination exterior, in any of a variety of colors. The top and/or other surfaces of the case preferably is stitched for durability, especially for the wear and tear that may occur during travel. In addition to the interior surfaces and materials discussed above, materials such as an ivory suede can provide a nice feel as the invention is in use, and also can protect the earrings from scratching or other damage. Hardware elements (hinges, latches, etc.) can likewise be of any of a wide variety of materials and finishes, including metal, fabric, and others.

In some embodiments of the invention, the case includes additional storage elements. By way of example, one or more snaps can be provided to releasably hold necklaces, rings, and/or bracelets. One or more pouches or elasticized pockets can be positioned on the inside or outside of the case, to hold necklaces, bracelets, rings, and/or other items. Preferably, the pouch(es) are shirred, and are divided into two or more sections, so that the various necklaces, etc. will not become tangled with each other during travel.

The trays can be used in a wide variety of ways, depending (among other things) on the characteristics of the things being mounted on the trays. For example, adapters can be provided as an interface between the mesh pegboard and one or more of the items being mounted. Some examples are shown in FIGS. 17, 17B, and 17C, in which wire hooks are shaped and sized to both engage the mesh/pegboard and provide a loop/connection that will hold hoop earrings. Such adapters can provide many benefits, including without limitation enabling users to attach hoop earrings anywhere on the tray, and to use mount a substantial number of hoop-like items on a single tray. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the items themselves can be mounted with sufficient spacing between them to ensure that the do not contact each other, or in varying degrees of density (so that there is some or even a large degree of overlap between adjacent hoop items).

Such adapters can be fabricated of metal, plastic, or any other suitable material. The attachment structure shown at the bottom of the adapter in FIGS. 17, 17B, and 17C preferably is of sufficient size as to let a user slide at least one pair of hoops into engagement with the adapter. FIG. 17B illustrates a hoop style earring engaged with the connection loop on the hanging adapter, and FIG. 17C illustrates a pair of hoop style earrings engaged with the tray via such an adapter. The embodiments shown in these Figures are not stationary (preferably, a user can place them anywhere on the tray, providing flexible and/or efficient use of space on the pegboard), but persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that other embodiments include having one or more adapters relatively permanently fixed on the tray.

By way of example, one or more relatively short straps (with snaps or Velcro fastener engagements or other suitable fastening apparatus) can be affixed to the pegboard at one end of each respective strap/strip. The user can place the free end of the strap through the earring and then releasably fasten that free end back to the pegboard and/or other end of the strap. Other of the many alternative embodiments can have relatively longer or larger strips or areas of Velcro type fastener material “affixed” to the surface of the tray, and the user can readily fix a “connector” loop of mating Velcro type fastener material around the earring or other item (for example, ring, necklace, bracelet, etc.) and engage it anywhere on the larger strips or areas affixed on the tray.

Persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the trays and other elements discussed preferably can can be made in multiple pieces (the trays are shown as consisting of three parts, by way of example), but they can be made as a single part or in other convenient embodiments. An example of such a one-piece construction is shown in FIG. 19.

FIGS. 18 and 20-22 show some of the many other alternative embodiments of the tray elements that may be used to practice the invention. For example, a “standard” tray frame is shown in FIG. 20, and provides a frame within which “custom” tray elements can be mounted and used with the other case elements of the invention. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that such other “custom” trays can be made in other manners besides using a standard tray 20, but the standard tray can reduce manufacturing and inventory and shipping costs, and can allow users to customize their own trays (by selecting and assembling into the center of the “standard tray” 20 a selected mounting board or element.

Examples of the many such “custom” or alternative mounting tray elements include:

-   -   a ring holder tray (FIG. 18; preferably horizontal slots are         formed to receive and releasably hold one or more rings; by way         of example, the slots can be formed by close positioning of         parallel foam rubber rolls covered in fabric)     -   a necklace tray (FIG. 21; a backing of plastic, cardboard, or         other material includes one or more loops or other engagement         members; three such straps are shown in the embodiment of FIG.         21, each closed via a snap element, with the male snap portion         preferably glued or otherwise affixed to the uppermost cross-bar         portion of the tray frame; a pocket preferably is provided in         the lower portion of the tray to hold the potentially lengthy         strand(s) of the necklaces that are clipped into the upper         “snap” loop)     -   a zippered pouch (FIG. 22; the front and/or back of the pocket         can be gusseted to provide expansion to accommodate a wide range         of jewelry or similar pieces) 

What is claimed is:
 1. Apparatus for storing and facilitating use of jewelry, including: at least one container element; at least one tray element, said tray element having means for holding at least one jewelry item; and engagement means acting between said tray element and said container element to selectively hold said tray in a selectably movable position with respect to the container.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further including: a plurality of such tray elements being of at least generally similar size and shape.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, further including: a plurality of such container elements each configured to selectively receive and engage at least one such tray element.
 4. A method of storing and using jewelry, including: providing the apparatus of claim 1; engaging at least one piece of jewelry with said tray element; storing said at least one piece of jewelry in said engaged relationship; and displaying said at least one piece of jewelry in its engaged relationship. 